Brick-and-mortar bookstores around the nation are facing some tough times right now. They simply cannot make enough money to stay open. Symposia Bookstore's model of recycling books in the community has proved to be successful and is copied at this time by several other bookstores around the nation. However, we would have never been able to stay open for the last seven years without the generous and constant support of Ana and David Roberts. Only because of their generous and constant support we could stay open on Washington street for over 10 years.

Under David Robert's patronage, Symposia Bookstore greatly expanded and in addition to offering books at reasonable prices continues its mission of community building through the various events and groups it nourishes: conversation groups, community workshops, workshops, writing circles and activities for children, poetry, open mics, book readings, concerts, a spirituality group, and even a guitar circle.

It is with a grateful heart that we thank former mayor David Roberts for making it all possible. His commitment to serving the Hoboken community is a quiet inspiration to us all.